Directly overlooking the azure waters of the breath-taking Amalfi Coast, Villa Treville is a uniquely extraordinary place. Secluded behind gates, a windy path leads you through lush tropical gardens and under vine-laded pergolas to five meticulously cared for villas that house some of the finest suites on the Amalfi Coast.

Previously owned by film and opera director, Franco Zeffirelli, who bought it from a Countess after visiting her for lunch, it is no surprise that each of the villas draws from the maestro’s work and the estate’s history. You could stay in a suite dedicated to star-crossed lovers from Shakespeare, or lay your head where the great Bernstein once laid his.  Each room is decorated in its own creative style, emphasising clean white walls with dramatic splashes of colour, reflected in the gardens and terraces.

The Maestro’s suite

The Maestro Zeffirelli suite, with 3 en-suite bedrooms and living room is the largest of the suites, once the seaside home of the man himself. The unique design, furniture and objets d’art celebrate his work and style, with mother-of-pearl inlays and gold finishes. The breath-taking views draw you out onto 3 private terraces and a plunge pool.

For smaller parties, apartments, like the Nureyev Suite, provide ample space with a large king-size bedroom, living room and terrace. The en-suite bathroom takes inspiration from ancient mosaics and a marble Roman-style bathtub.

Against its dramatic, rocky backdrop, the gardens and terraces of Villa Treville face out towards the blue. The paths wind through the estate while your senses are stimulated by beautiful sights and scents. Jasmine and bougainvillea flow from trellised walkways and citrus fruit trees produce a light and distinctly Mediterranean perfume. There are many places to sit and take in the views, or relax with a novel in the shade.

Delicious local cuisine

Villa Treville offers cuisine to match the dramatic surroundings and creative legacy. The aptly named Maestro’s restaurant offers the freshest local produce cooked with skill and devotion. Seated on the lovely terracotta tiled terrace, shaded from the midday sun by the vine-covered pergola, it would be hard to find a better place to enjoy a cold glass of Fiano di Avellino before lunch, while taking in the majestic views.

With the menu changing daily and with the season, you will find a rich and inspiring culinary choice, with meticulous attention to detail. Breakfast is served all day in the Club Lounge for those partial to a slow start and the chefs prepare light snacks and sweet treats throughout the day. If you want to venture out and try Michelin-starred cuisine, a trip to Zass or La Sponda in Positano is a must.

As the sun begins to sink towards the horizon, guests move into the Salone Bianca. Found at the heart of Villa Bianca, this cool tiled salon plays host to evening drinks and stunning cocktails and makes the most of the early evening light, whilst the Moroccan-inspired terrace is the perfect position to watch the sun slide serenely behind the limestone cliffs.

Active or less active?

Hand-cut stone steps take you down to the private beach, but the walk back up can be avoided by opting for the elevator. The beach is one of Villa Treville’s secrets, where you can swim safely avoiding prying eyes or recline under the heat of the Amalfi Coast sun. A private mooring allows watersports, like kayaking or sailing to be conveniently enjoyed, while the hotel’s beautiful boat can also ferry you back and forth to Positano, or further on for water-borne adventures along the coast, as far as Capri.

There is a gym, plunge pools, Jacuzzi and massage and beauty treatments are available in your suite.

Before long you find days disappearing in a beautiful haze of relaxing hedonism in the most discreet of 5-star hotels; one that feels more like the welcoming private home of a cultured billionaire. In such a place, you would expect friendly multilingual staff to be on hand to attend to any whim or fancy, and that’s just as it is at exquisite Villa Treville.